The Pregnant Traveler Research Project

"Expatriate women were not only filling out the questionnaire but sharing their lives--joys and sorrows regarding their pregnancies overseas"

Our original intention was to do some simple research on pregnancy and travel for the International Society of Travel Medicine. However, in the ensuing months the project mushroomed into more than just a "simple" research assignment.

At first, we were not sure where to start. Then we thought--Who was the most notable of pregnant travelers? Of course-Mary, making her way to Bethlehem. We pictured a logo, the expectant Mary on a donkey, Joseph protectively next to her. And what would we call the project? Simply, The Pregnant Traveler.

We put together a questionnaire: pre-natal information, report of the delivery, and questions concerning other medical issues. Then we approached a number of organizations about sending the survey to their women members. In turn, many of these participants gave us the names of other expatriate friends. Since April 1997 we have sent out almost 2000 surveys with nearly a 50% return.

But as we collected the data, we found the unexpected--expatriate women were not only filling out the questionnaire but sharing their lives--joys and sorrows regarding their pregnancies and healthcare overseas, often far from adequate. Many have written, "I am so glad someone is interested in hearing my story." These "stories" touched our hearts. As expatriates in Kenya, we had our own pregnancy and birth in that land not altogether a pleasant experience. The truth is, before our survey we had not met anyone else with a similar tale. While our particular situation was unique, we identified with the feelings of pregnant expatriates far from home. At that point, we knew that we would be doing more than just the original "simple" study.

As a result, the Pregnant Traveler has turned into more than just a single research project.  We are rapidly becoming the primary source for information regarding pregnancy and travel.  In our "Medical Providers" section we have a bibliography of hundreds of articles from the world's medical literature, covering just about every available topic relative to the subject.  And we add to this list monthly.  Dr. Carroll continues to publish reviews and new data in medical journals, newsletters and other publications as well as to speak frequently at international medical meetings.

In addition, we continue to compile a list of qualified medical providers of obstetrical services around the world.  Some of these are personal contacts; we have learned of others through the various international medical societies to which we belong.  And expatriates have shared their favorites with us.  We can share this information with pregnant travelers or contact these providers directly on the behalf pregnant travelers with special needs.

We are always available through e-mail or our business telephone. It is our goal to be the best resource possible on travel and pregnancy, an ongoing project that will not terminate when our current research project has been completed.

We are always seeking up to date information on medical care overseas. If you have information (good or bad) regarding a particular medical provider or institution which you think we should add to our database, please feel free to contact us.

Also, we always have some sort of research project going on.  If you are now or have been pregnant in a country other than your own within the past five years, we invite you to click on the "current research" button at the right and participate in our current survey.